NCC Coverage Expansion In Scheduled Caste Areas
Source:PIB ↗
આ શા માટે મહત્વનું છે
This policy initiative highlights a shift from passive welfare assistance to active capability-building (Sen's Capability Approach) for marginalized SC youth. By integrating defence-led youth training (NCC) with targeted social welfare infrastructure (PM-AJAY), the government aims to enhance the employability, social mobility, and confidence of historically disadvantaged communities.
સારાંશ
The Central Government is expanding National Cadet Corps (NCC) coverage in Government schools situated in Scheduled Caste (SC)-concentrated and Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY) areas. Out of 263 shortlisted schools, 230 are being actively targeted for new NCC units across seven States and one UT, aiming to foster leadership, discipline, and patriotism among socially and educationally disadvantaged youth.
મુખ્ય મુદ્દા
- The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is facilitating the expansion of NCC opportunities in Government schools located in Scheduled Caste (SC)-concentrated and PM-AJAY areas.
- A total of 263 government schools have been identified/shortlisted under this initiative, with 25 already having active NCC units and 8 on the waiting list.
- The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment has shared the list of remaining 230 eligible but non-applied schools across seven States and one UT to expedite the establishment of NCC units.
- No government school from the state of Maharashtra has been included in the identified/shortlisted list under this current initiative.
- The initiative represents a strategic convergence between the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment and the Ministry of Defence to offer equitable developmental opportunities, leadership skills, and character-building to disadvantaged students.
મહત્વપૂર્ણ શબ્દો
Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY)
A centrally sponsored scheme launched in 2021-22 by merging three erstwhile schemes to promote socio-economic development of Scheduled Castes (SCs) through livelihood projects, skill development, and infrastructure.
UPSC context
GS Paper II (Welfare Schemes) & GS Paper III. Tests knowledge of social justice initiatives and central welfare programs for vulnerable sections.
Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAGY)
A merged component under PM-AJAY aimed at the integrated development of selected Scheduled Caste-majority villages (having >50% SC population) by ensuring basic infrastructure and socio-economic development indicators.
UPSC context
GS Paper II (Social Justice). Tests understanding of rural development, decentralized planning, and targeted schemes for backward communities.
Special Central Assistance to Scheduled Castes Sub-Plan (SCA to SCSP)
An additive central assistance component (now merged into PM-AJAY) that provides 100% grants to states/UTs to bridge critical gaps in family-oriented economic development and income-generating schemes for SC families.
UPSC context
GS Paper II (Welfare Schemes). Tests concepts of fiscal federalism, targeted budgetary interventions, and poverty alleviation strategies for marginalized groups.
Babu Jagjivan Ram Chhatrawas Yojana (BJRCY)
A component of PM-AJAY aimed at constructing quality hostels for Scheduled Caste (SC) students to improve literacy, support higher education, and reduce dropouts, particularly in low-literacy districts.
UPSC context
GS Paper II (Education & Vulnerable Sections). Evaluates knowledge of social empowerment programs, educational infrastructure, and gender-inclusive policies for marginalized groups.
National Cadet Corps (NCC)
A tri-services youth development organization in India that provides basic military training to school and college students, focusing on character, leadership, discipline, and patriotism.
UPSC context
GS Paper III (Internal Security) & GS Paper II (Education). Tests awareness of national youth development, defense support structures, and leadership training.
પ્રિલિમ્સ ટ્રેપ
PM-AJAY is a Central Sector Scheme, and its school-level co-curricular expansions are administered solely by the Ministry of Education.
PM-AJAY is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (not Central Sector). Also, this convergence uniquely pairs the Ministry of Social Justice with the Ministry of Defence, bypassing the Ministry of Education.
સંલગ્ન સ્થિર ખ્યાલો
What is the PM-AJAY scheme and what are its key components?
- Origin & Merger: Formed by merging PM Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAGY), Special Central Assistance to SC Sub-Plan (SCA to SCSP), and Babu Jagjivan Ram Chhatrawas Yojana (BJRCY).
- Three Pillars: Focuses on Adarsh Gram development, offering financial assistance for socio-economic income-generating projects, and constructing student hostels in top NIRF-ranked institutions.
- Funding & Aim: Implemented as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme aimed at reducing poverty and minimizing developmental disparities in SC-dominated areas.
What is the constitutional mandate for Scheduled Caste welfare in India?
- Article 46 (DPSP): Directs the State to promote with special care the educational and economic interests of the weaker sections, particularly the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
- Article 15(4): Enables the State to make special provisions for the advancement of any socially and educationally backward classes of citizens, or for the SCs and STs.
- Article 338: Establishes the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) to monitor, investigate, and safeguard constitutional and legal provisions for SCs.
આંતર-વિષય પેટર્ન
Inter-ministerial convergence in governance
Illustrates a policy shift where MoSJE uses MoD's National Cadet Corps network to deliver social justice, mirroring PM GatiShakti's cross-departmental administrative model.
Youth development as social security
Leveraging disciplined youth bodies like NCC in historically marginalized, backward pockets serves as an indirect state-led tool for social integration and nation-building.
PM-AJAY's merged components and its novel convergence with the Ministry of Defence (NCC) likely to feature in UPSC 2026 welfare questions.
સંલગ્ન PYQ · 2
સંલગ્ન PYQ · 2
- 2019MainsGS2
Performance of welfare schemes that are implemented for vulnerable sections is not so effective due to absence of their awareness and active involvement at all stages of policy process. Discuss.
- 2023MainsGS2
“Development and welfare schemes for the vulnerable, by its nature, are discriminatory in approach.” Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer.
